“Then I must discuss the matter with Rosalie. It is not to be discussed with you.”
“You mean that you will exercise your authority in the matter?”
“In England, my dear girl, the master of a house is still sometimes guilty of exercising authority in matters which concern the reputation of his female relatives. In the absence of your father, I shall not allow you, while you are under my roof, to endanger your name in any degree. I am, at least, your brother by marriage. I intend to protect you.”
“Thank you,” said Betty.
“You are young and extremely handsome, you will have an enormous fortune, and you have evidently had your own way all your life. A girl, such as you are, may either make a magnificent marriage or a ridiculous and humiliating one. Neither American young women, nor English young men, are as disinterested as they were some years ago. Each has begun to learn what the other has to give.”
“I think that is true,” commented Betty.
“In some cases there is a good deal to be exchanged on both sides. You have a great deal to give, and should get exchange worth accepting. A beggared estate and a tainted title are not good enough.”
“That is businesslike,” Betty made comment again.
Sir Nigel laughed quietly.
“The fact is—I hope you won't misunderstand my saying it—you do not strike me as being UN-businesslike, yourself.”